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"I wait for the LORD . . . and in His word do I hope." (Psalm 130:5)
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PASTORAL PRAYER
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Many Christians are disillusioned, and even disgruntled by the direction that our nation is going. Federal government officials respond to citizens like adversaries, national economic trends indicate a coming financial catastrophe, and political conservatives seem unmoved by America’s rapid moral decay. What can pastors do to refocus God’s people during these troubled times?
Thankfully, God is able to provide what is needed. He invites His children to maintain continual communication with Him. During His ministry the Lord declared that His house was to be recognized as the “house of prayer” (Mt. 21:13, Mr. 11:17, Lu. 19:46). When believers are in need, Hebrews 4:16 beckons them to come boldly before God’s throne of grace. Pastors can prepare God’s people for these uncertain times by cultivating the right perspective through the wonderful gift of prayer.
A significant opportunity occurs when the pastor and his people’s hearts come together in communicating with the Lord during the Lord’s Day pastoral prayer. This distinct corporate communication with God usually is conducted in the Sunday morning service and is the ideal time to acknowledge God’s presence, to unite hearts with His priorities, and to commit all service to His control.
Unfortunately the pastoral prayer is too often neglected in the worship service due to lack of priority, preparation, and even the last-minute delegation to a lay person. Wilberforce said there is “nothing which makes God more certainly withdraw His grace” then when prayer is neglected (Pura, Vital Christianity: The Life and Spirituality of William Wilberforce, p. 97). A pastor should take steps to integrate a thoughtful pastoral prayer if it is not now an important part of his shepherding God’s flock. To be most effective the pastor should seek to follow biblical prayer models. Studying prayers presented in Scripture will prepare the pastor for this important ingredient of worship (1Ki. 8:22-53, 2Ch. 14:11, Ezr. 9:6-15, Mt. 6:9-13, Ac. 4:23-30). Upon examination of these and other scriptural prayers four key elements emerge: Adoration (Praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (Intercession, and Petition).
The pastor should receive the Lord’s blessing and help his people most when he incorporates an inspired structure and Scripture in communicating the pastoral prayer.
The benefits derived from preparing and placing a priority on the Lord’s Day pastoral prayer will be manifold and spiritual.
It pleases God. The greatest benefit is that “the prayer of the upright is His delight” (Pro. 15:8).
The congregation grows. Christians will focus more on the Lord in worship; God’s people will learn from the pastor how to pray.
The pastor furthers his personal growth. A pastor knows he needs to attend to his own soul.
Wanderings
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Copyright © 2006 Truth for Trials Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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